Monte Vista Villa gets liquor license, city lauds longevity

Mayor Jose "Art" Medina. left, presents a 20-year employee award to Mike Sanchez, a public works employee.

MONTE VISTA — The Monte Vista City Council Thursday honored employee longevity and granted a liquor license to the Monte Vista Villa, formerly the Monte Villa Inn.

Owner John Nelson, representing the management corporation, sought a hotel and restaurant license allowing him to serve alcoholic beverages with dinners or at special functions.

Mayor Art Medina said he had been taken on a tour of the restored hotel and was pleased with what he saw.

There was no public opposition, Police Chief Rick Needham said his department had no objections and the motion was approved unanimously.



Longevity awards

Public Works employee Mike Sanchez was presented a certificate applauding his 20 years with the city and Police Officer Jason Russell was honored for five years with the police department.



Radon issue

Public Health Nurse Diana Koshak gave a presentation on Radon gas, which exists in varying amounts around Rio Grande County. Radon has been connected with lung cancer, even in non-smokers, she said.

She suggested that the city pass an ordinance requiring each new home built in Monte Vista to be fitted with a passive Radon system and older dwellings be tested, then retrofitted if necessary before they  could be sold.

Koshak said some cities and counties in Colorado are already implementing such controls and a similar law was brought before the State Legislature, but did not pass. It wil be brought up again with required revisions, Koshak said.



Police report

Needham said burglaries have become an increasing problem across the San Luis Valley and said the public was advised to secure their vehicles and property when they were away.

He said animal control has also become a big problem, with 24-27 dogs picked up, and the animal shelter not accepting them.







For the complete article see the 06-13-2012 issue.

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